Effects of 17β-estradiol, Interleukin-1β, and Human Chorionic Gonadotropin on Activity and mRNA Expression of Plasminogen Activators in Porcine Endometrial Cells

This study aimed to investigate changes in the activity and mRNA expression of plasminogen activators (PAs) induced by 17β-estradiol (E(2)), human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG), and interleukin-1β (IL-1β) in porcine endometrial cells. Endometrial cells were isolated from the epithelium and cultured to 80% confluence. They were then treated for 24 h with E(2) (0.2, 2, 20, and 200 ng/mL), IL-1β (0.1, 1, 10, and 100 ng/mL), and hCG (0.5, 1, 1.5 and 2 IU/mL). mRNA expressions of urokinase-type (uPA) and tissue-type (tPA) PAs were analyzed using reverse transcription PCR, and activities were measured using a PA activity assay. mRNA expressions of uPA and tPA increased with E(2) treatment; however, this was not significant. Similarly, treatment with hCG did not influence the mRNA expressions of PAs. Interestingly, treatment with 0.1 ng/mL IL-1β significantly reduced the mRNA expression of uPA, but did not affect that of tPA. Treatment with 2, 20, and 200 ng/mL E(2) increased PA activity compared with the control group; treatment with 0.1 and 1 ng/mL IL-1β significantly increased PA activity compared with the other IL-1β treatment groups, whereas treatment with 10 and 100 ng/mL IL-1β decreased. Treatment with 2 IU/mL hCG increased PA activity compared with the other treatment groups, although there were no significant differences between the hCG and control groups. In conclusion, the activity and mRNA expression of PAs were differently regulated by the hormone/cytokine and its concentration in porcine endometrial cells. Therefore, understanding PA regulatory mechanisms may help to improve the reproductive potential of domestic animals.